Community Calendar

Wayfinder Schools is thrilled to launch the first Finding Our Way Down East virtual race! This new fundraiser will get people moving this summer, whether they are walking, running, pushing a stroller, biking, swimming, hiking, or using indoor gym equipment (however you want to accomplish your miles is up to you!). Visit the coast of Maine virtually this summer and support Wayfinder Schools!<br/><br/> Participants can determine whether they want to participate in one (or more) of three races:<br/><br/> · Finding Our Way 21k – honoring our 2021 graduates, one-month race (June, July, August)<br/><br/> · Finding Our Way 65k – honoring the 65 students we serve, one-month race (June, July, August)<br/><br/> · Finding Our Way Down East – virtually travel through towns and counties we serve from Kittery to Calais! - three-month race. This race is 326.7 miles (about 23.3 miles a week for 14 weeks). You will earn Milestone badges along the way, tracking your progress up the coast of Maine! <br/><br/> All racers will receive a Finding Our Way Down East t-shirt with their registration entry and a digital Finisher's Certificate when you have completed your race!<br/><br/> From Memorial Day to Labor Day, participants will join the race(s) of their choice, taking to the pavement, trails, or indoor equipment of their choosing and log their miles online, all while showing support for Wayfinder Schools (and each other) through t-shirts, hashtags and photos. Leading up to and during your “race”, you will have the opportunity to ask for donations from your friends, families and networks as they encourage you along your race route. All proceeds will benefit Wayfinder Schools, a non-profit alternative high school working with parenting and non-parenting youth who need a second chance at earning their high school diploma.

Talk to ME is an author-themed auction offering exclusive Zoom meetings and other experiences with Maine authors. Online bidding runs from August 1 through 13. Ideal for book groups, school classes and avid fans of the14 award winning Maine authors. Please visit charityauction.bid/TalktoME for details about the authors, the experiences they offer, and details on how to place your winning bid(s).<br/><br/> All proceeds to benefit Camp Susan Curtis’ great work to create a safe, happy summer camp experience for Maine kids facing economic hardship.

A POWERFUL, LIFE-ALTERING EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER~~~<br/> Now is the perfect time to reflect, contemplate and envision your life in this new season arising within the collective consciousness. What better moment on your path to take a time out and dive deeply into an immersion surrounded by nature. <br/><br/> What is your relationship to the Self, to Life, to the Natural world and spirit guides? When is the last time you gave yourself permission to truly find out? The experience of a vision quest offers you just the setting to find your answers. We will co-create this experience in the perfect environment, guiding you to a feeling of safety and connection even before heading our for your three day solo meditation. We are honored to create and hold space with, and for you, as we support your journey to union with yourself and Nature. <br/><br/> This experience also comes with a self-guided preparatory series of invitations and a follow-up zoom gathering 28 days post quest.<br/><br/> Your Facilitator: Jen DeRaspe, founder of NTN, is a Registered Maine Guide with over 20 years experience in retreat leading. A leader in the healing arts field, Jen is a Certified Yoga and Qi Gong instructor, Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie as well an instructor in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.<br/><br/> Fee: (Self-assessed sliding scale): $595-$795<br/> 6 nights camping on this amazing land in Denmark, Maine; 7 meals; 48 hours supported solo vision quest. (Tent not included.)<br/><br/> To Register: <br/> http://www.ntnretreats.com/reservations/ <br/><br/> Please note, if you opt to arrive to the retreat and stay in your own cabin or yurt prior to this program or stay longer, you may make those arrangements directly with Nurture Through Nature.

The Geological Society of Maine (GSM) annually organizes field trips over a summer weekend that are usually attended by 50 or more people. Locations have included Mt. Desert Island, the western mountains in Bethel, Aroostook County, and southern coastal Maine. Due to Covid, a group field trip was not possible for this summer, so a new, unique approach has been developed that will allow GSM members and the general public to visit any of the selected 100 sites of geologic interest across the state. Depending on the site, you will see beautiful rock formations, unique landforms, or see how Mainers mined granite or gemstones across the state. Many of the sites are child-friendly and are likely located near your home. <br/><br/> Some of these sites are also potential “Geosites” for the aspiring Coastal Maine Geopark, a new community project for fostering awareness and place-based education about the geoheritage of coastal Maine. If you are interested in visiting these geologic sites of interest, go to the GSM website www.gsmmaine.org for more information and an interactive map that shows the sites and with a link to a description and photos.<br/><br/> The Geological Society of Maine was founded in 1974 and currently has over 200 members from Maine and elsewhere. GSM sponsors spring and fall meetings and a summer field trip weekend attended by professionals, students, academics, and hobbyists. GSM also offers grants for advancing the practice of geology in Maine.

LifeFlight of Maine is excited to announce that registration is open for the 2021 Cross for LifeFlight, taking place August 1-31, 2021. The Cross for LifeFlight event aims to raise $450,000 to expand and sustain LifeFlight, Maine’s only emergency medical helicopter service.<br/><br/> Previously an in-person swim event known as the “Islesboro Crossing,” the 2021 Cross for LifeFlight has been expanded and reimagined as a statewide, self-led outdoor adventure challenge. Over the past four years, the Cross for LifeFlight has raised over $2 million to upgrade and standardize LifeFlight’s fleet of helicopters, purchase the specialized equipment needed on board, and to fund important clinical education and training programs across the state.<br/><br/> For registration information or to donate directly, volunteer, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://crossforlifeflight.org/info

Explore Maine’s abundant local farm landscape with us this summer! Discover farms in your neck of the woods, or take a trip further afield in search of new-to-you farms, foods, and to learn about Maine’s food system. Whichever way you choose to do the Maine Farms Scavenger Hunt, it’s sure to make for a memorable and delicious summer for the whole family!

Maine Crafts Association presents Fields of Pixels: An exhibition of porcelain wall art pieces by Jean Hardy at the Center for Maine Craft. Fields of Pixels is a functional potter's journey through isolation, greif, meditation, and creative exploration into new realms. Dedicated to the memory of her parents, Jean Hardy's new collection encompasses the exploration of her creative directions while taking on a role of family caregiver during a pandemic.

Sunday, August 1, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Huge Book Sale Under the Tent. The used book event will run Thursday, July 29, through Sunday, August 1, and will be set up under a huge tent adjacent to the Blue Door Book Shed on Atlantic Ave. The book shed and event tent can be reached via the parking lot on the left just past the Camden Amphitheatre. Ten thousand books, DVDs, CDs, and audio books will be on sale for great prices to benefit the library.

Richard Boyd Art Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of a solo exhibition of paintings by noted Maine artist Jane Herbert on August 1st at 10:00 a.m. <br/> A year-round resident of Damariscotta, Maine Jane’s traditional style paintings capture the stunning landscape and seaside charm of her village community. Her current series of paintings are a visual expression of life along the coast and reveal her observations of the picturesque but rugged coast of Maine. <br/> If you love paintings depicting the beauty of Maine’s coastal communities don’t miss this exhibit. Jane’s paintings are widely collected and held in numerous private and public collections. <br/> The exhibit is on view free of charge between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily from August 1st through August 30th, 2021. For more information about the exhibit contact the gallery by phone (207)-712-1097, email mailto:info@richardboydartgallery.com or visit the gallery’s website <br/>www.richardboydartgallery.com . <br/> For exhibit updates like the gallery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RichardBoydArtGallery and follow it on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/richardboydartgallery9327 .<br/> Image: ‘River Glow’ ~ Acrylic on Canvas 15” x 30” by Jane Herbert

Central Maine Clay Artists offer artistic and functional designs that allow you to take Maine with you. Each of the clay artists has their identifiable style but with this show they are exploring new shapes and designs that gather inspiration from the state that offers so much- powerful ocean, scenic lakes, rugged mountains, delicate wildflowers, exceptional dining, dramatic seasonal changes, and so much more. In addition to the clay artists, the show will include paintings on the same theme by Nancy Keenan Barron. <br/><br/> Each artist has a distinct focus when seeking inspiration from what Maine offers. When asked about their inspiration, the natural environment is front and center. The abundance of Maine’s lakes, rivers and ocean, wildflowers, even dining outdoors, has served as inspiration. Participating Central Maine Clay Artists include- Mary K Spencer, Whitney Gill, Robbi Fritz Portella, Malley Weber, Libbey Seigars, Lori Keenan Watts, Marie Palluotto, Elizabeth MB Downs, and Ru Allen.<br/><br/> CMCA is a professional organization of ceramic artists working in Kennebec County and surrounding communities. Since 2007, the CMCA we have worked to support the creative economy and local art programs, and to promote the ceramic arts in Maine. Annual projects include Mug Season, an event held in conjunction with Maine-owned coffee shops to raise funds for art in the local schools, and the Holiday Pottery Shop, an opportunity for the public to buy local and get to know the folks who make handmade items locally. <br/><br/> The show can be seen at Monkitree-263 Water Street, Gardiner, ME through September 11th during regular shop hours- T/W 10-4, Th/Fr 10-5, Sat 10-4. There will not be an opening reception.